He used the opportunity to address the assembled members of the Church.
Mr Lilo said he knew that the members of the church, known as Mormons, were law abiding, God fearing, freedom loving people, and he commended them for this.
He spoke of the children’s choir and the song they had sung in English and in Pijin, “I am a Child of God”, and how important it is for all people to understand that we are all children of God.
Mr Lilo stated the freedom we have in the Solomon Islands is a gift of God.
He emphasised the importance of standing together as a nation, as one country, and one people.
The prime minister expressed his belief that it is the role of government to create a stable environment for the people, that provides freedom of religion.
Members of the church felt honoured and blessed by Mr Lilo’s comments and presence at the conference.
The Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, Barnabas Anga, accompanied him.
Visiting authorities from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were, Elder Terence Vinson of the Seventy, who presided, and the Vanuatu Port Vila Mission President, Larry Brewer, accompanied by his wife Maryanne.
More than 200 Solomon Island members of the Church attended the meetings.
President Brewer encouraged members to follow the doctrines of the Church including the 13 Articles of Faith.
He emphasised that “we believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in his Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”
He also reminded members that “we believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honouring, and sustaining the law.”
Elder Vinson’s message included stories from the Old Testament and their meaning and significance in our lives today.
He taught of Aaron and Hur who held up the hands of Moses so that Israel could defeat Amalek.
He spoke of Joshua and Caleb and of their remarkable faithfulness to the Lord.
He reminded the congregation of the widow of Zarephath who through her faith in the Lord and service, was blessed that her barrel of meal never wasted and her cruse of oil never failed.
He encouraged all members to be faithful and serve the Lord with all their hearts.
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